Board member Paula Oberle said the nonprofit group is seeking people to adopt the dogs as it faces closing for good.

“Due to negative media coverage over the past year, our donations and adoptions have been down to the point that we're in danger of having to shut down in two months,” Oberle said. “We need to try and get some dogs moved in case that does happen. Some of the dogs have been here so long, it's heartbreaking. They need to find a home.”

Last year, several former volunteers with the nonprofit, which has run a no-kill shelter since May 2000, filed affidavits with Bexar County courts accusing the group of hoarding, unsanitary conditions and inadequate medical care. Currently the group is made up of several volunteers, three staff members and three board members.

Oberle said the nonprofit has focused on changes since the accusations were lodged against it, downsizing the number of dogs at the shelter and relocating operations.

“Due to legal counsel, we had to stay quiet,” Oberle said, “and couldn't address the issue and it ultimately impacted the dogs.”

The group moved from its previous location on Borgfeld Road to a smaller location in Fair Oaks Ranch, off Interstate 10 West, after a dispute with the landlord over charges of $100,000 in damages to facilities on the property.

Deanna Lee, former president of Alamo Area Partners for Animal Welfare and founder of the new Advocates for San Antonio Pets, said several detractors think Animal Friends shouldn't have gotten another opportunity, but she believes everyone deserves another chance.

“They have really been trying hard to overcome their previous reputation, and since they've moved, they've only demonstrated that they really tried to make a change for the better and kept their numbers down. They've gone to a lot of adoption events and tried to get the dogs they have at their shelter adopted, so they've shown a good-faith effort.”

Oberle said the dogs are mixed breeds ranging in size from medium to large. She said they are current on vaccines and have been spayed or neutered and microchipped. Pictures and bios of the dogs can be seen at www.animalfriends4ever.org.

“Online, they might not look so desirable, but once you meet their personalities it's a different story,” she said. “They're all great dogs.”